RCGP Scotland responds as Assisted Dying Bill falls

Commenting, RCGP Scotland Chair Dr Chris Provan said:"On 17 March 2026, Members of the Scottish Parliament voted against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill by a vote of 69 against, 57 in favour, 1 abstention. We understand that members of the RCGP have a wide range of sincerely held views on this issue, and that many have been following the process closely and with care. 

"The Royal College of General Practitioners neither supports nor opposes the legalisation of assisted dying. We have carefully engaged throughout the legislative process to ensure that any assisted dying service would protect the interests of patients and healthcare professionals in line with the RCGP principles for legislation.  

"We thank Liam McArthur MSP and all Members of the Scottish Parliament for their constructive engagement with the concerns of our members, and their conscientious debate of the issue as a whole.  

"The College remains committed to pressing for sustained investment in palliative care. We must all strive to maintain momentum in this area of healthcare to secure the resources needed to deliver exemplary end of life care across Scotland." 

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.